Nigerians have expressed outrage following the separate deaths of two citizens, Bishop Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo, in South Africa.
Fakunle, an Ekiti indigene, was reportedly shot dead at his Johannesburg residence on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats. Nwankwo died the following day after reportedly being subjected to “gruesome interrogation techniques” by South African police officers.
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the two men were the seventh and eighth Nigerians allegedly killed in the country this year.
He said, “Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo are the 7th and 8th Nigerians to have been murdered in South Africa this year alone.
“Outside of that, over 100 Nigerian nationals have been murdered in South Africa between 2022 and today and over 30 of them were killed by officers of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.”
The National Assembly subsequently suspended official visits to South Africa and directed members to boycott legislative activities organised by South African authorities.
However, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, said his government had not received official communication about the decision.
He said, “We have not received any official communication in that regard, but our understanding is that it is the National Assembly of Nigeria, and it does not, at this stage, affect the bilateral relations between the two countries.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government demanded thorough investigations into the deaths and urged South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The killings have also triggered strong reactions from Nigerians, with community leaders calling for greater protection of Nigerians and accountability for alleged abuses by security personnel.